The Maria College Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching
Welcome to the Spring 2025 semester!
New recommended resources:
Immersive and Emerging Technologies: Student Satisfaction and Belonging:
Stephens, J. B., & Morse, R. S. (2023). Enhancing sense of belonging and satisfaction among online students in multi-track public affairs programs: A case analysis of immersion courses. Teaching Public Administration, 41(2), 266–283. https://doi.org/10.1177/01447394221076344
Stephens and Morse (2023) examine how “immersion courses” can enhance the experience of online students in public affairs programs offering both online and residential options. Using a case study of the MPA program at UNC-Chapel Hill, the authors analyze the impact of a weekend intensive course designed to foster a sense of belonging among online students. They provide practical insights and recommendations for other institutions seeking to bridge the gap between online and residential learning environments and improve student satisfaction. This study highlights the importance of intentional program design in creating a sense of community for online learners.
Addressing Learning Loss from the COVID Pandemic and Increasing Engagement:
Smith, C., & Praphamontripong, U. (2021). Analysis of the transition to a virtual learning semester in a college software testing course. Proceedings of the 3rd International Workshop on Education through Advanced Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence, 58–61. https://doi.org/10.1145/3472673.3473967
Smith and Praphamontripong (2021) analyze the transition to online learning in a college-level software testing course during the COVID-19 pandemic. Comparing in-person (Fall 2019) and virtual (Spring 2021) semesters, they examine the impact of this shift on teaching methodologies, student engagement, and learning outcomes. Despite modifications for the online environment, the instructors aimed to maintain consistency in course content and a focus on interactive exercises. The authors discuss the benefits and challenges of online learning, including new opportunities and the loss of certain in-person activities. They also incorporate student feedback to assess the overall effectiveness of the virtual learning experience and suggest strategies for improvement in future online courses. This study offers valuable insights into the adaptation of interactive, hands-on courses to the virtual environment.
— contributed by Jason Coley, Director of the Center for Academic Innovation and Assistant Director of M-CELT
The Tiered Skills Acquisition Model
Kjelland, K., Allen, M., Holder, K., Jenny, A., Roe, C., Troutman, H., Nieves, H., Voils, T., Monroe, M. (2021). The tiered skills acquisition model: Orientees' perceptions of confidence. Nursing Management, 52(9), 51-53. DOI: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000771756.09339.e2
St. Peter's Health Partners will use a tiered skilled acquisition model for new graduate orientation to welcome new graduate nurses into the professional practice. The goal is to make the transition less stressful and allow new nurses to develop skills at their own pace.
— contributed by Jennifer Garhart, Assistant Director of M-CELT
Additional resources:
Podcast detailing significant differences in LMS interfaces, including Brightspace vs. Blackboard:
Cavanagh, T., & Thompson, K. (Hosts). (2024, November 18). Episode 174: Get “all [Phil]’d up” On LMS/online enrollment insights [Audio podcast episode]. In TOPcast. Center for Distributed Learning, University of Central Florida. https://cdl.ucf.edu/topcast-s10e174/
Open-access edited collection of articles exploring the scholarship of teaching and learning:
Miller-Young, J., & Chick, N. L. (Eds.). (2024). Becoming a SoTL scholar. Elon University Center for Engaged Learning. https://doi.org/10.36284/celelon.oa6
Matt Galletta, MFA, EdD
Director of M-CELT; Director of the Academic Success & Writing Center; Instructor of English
Jason Coley, PhD
Assistant Director of M-CELT; Director of the Center of Academic Innovation
Jennifer Garhartt, MS, RN, CEN
Assistant Director of M-CELT
Kim Santspree
Educational Technology Training Specialist
M-CELT is located on the 2nd floor in the Main Building by the Registrar's office.
Spring 2025 hours of operation:
Monday - Thursday 8:30AM - 4:15PM
Friday - 8:30AM - 4:15PM (Virtually)
Appointments can be made at anytime virtually.
To contact Kim, please email ksantspree@mariacollege.edu
Questions? M-CELT is here to help. We offer:
Teaching consultations to assist you in planning or designing in-person, online or hybrid courses.
Information and guidance about using Maria’s learning technology (Blackboard, Panopto, Zoom). Did you know students may also create presentations using Panopto? We can help you create one in your course!
Workshops on teaching and assessment topics including using interactive tools such as blogs and wikis; Rubric development; Giving effective feedback; Active learning strategies; Universal Design for Learning; Making your course accessible; Implementing group work; Developing assignments that foster metacognitive and writing skills; Moving a F2F course online, and more.
Individual educational technology support sessions to help you feel comfortable integrating technology effectively and in high impact ways.
Please complete the following form to request an appointment.